Empowering Women and Youth Through Green Entrepreneurship in Ghana

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KEY POINTS

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• The Green Growth Ghana Project focuses on empowering women and youth through green entrepreneurship.
• The initiative is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, promoting sustainability and climate action.
• Collaboration among businesses, traditional authorities, and government is vital for ensuring a sustainable future for Ghana.

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The Green Growth Ghana Project is a ground-breaking project that focuses on developing entrepreneurial capacity in the agro-forestry and circular economy sectors, creating opportunities for small-scale enterprises in Ghana’s Northern, Upper West, and Upper East regions.

It was started by the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) in partnership with Presbyterian University Ghana and funded by the European Union. The project’s goal is to empower women and youth in the Northern Savannah Regions of the country.

The project’s overall goal is to promote sustainable development, address the issues caused by environmental degradation, and reduce poverty through economic empowerment. It is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, specifically Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

Promoting sustainability through entrepreneurship

The urgent need for sustainability and economic growth was underlined by GNCCI President Dr. Clement Osei-Amoako during the project launch in Wa, Upper West Regional Capital. Ghana is currently dealing with a number of serious issues, he said, including a rapidly expanding population, high rates of poverty, and an economy that is heavily reliant on agriculture, making it extremely sensitive to climate change.

The primary aim of the project is to boost economic growth by encouraging green entrepreneurship and assisting nearby companies in implementing sustainable practices. Small businesses will receive training, funding, and mentorship from the program, especially those involved in eco-friendly industries like agro-forestry and the circular economy. Improved financial resources, technical know-how, and market access will help these companies expand and support Ghana’s overall sustainability.

Dr. Osei-Amoako went on to say, “Droughts that jeopardize agricultural production in the northern regions are just one of the serious repercussions of climate change that we are now seeing. Illegal mining and other unsustainable practices continue to destroy our natural resources, putting water supplies and livelihoods at risk.

In order to adopt sustainable business practices, the project also seeks to promote cooperation between the government, development partners, traditional authorities, and the private sector. Osei-Amoako emphasized in his speech that “we must work together to establish pathways that ensure the country’s sustainability while preserving our planet for future generations.”

Women and youth at the center of innovation

Since women and young people are viewed as vital sources of innovation and sustainable growth, the Green Growth Ghana Project places a high priority on their empowerment. Chris Addy-Nayo, the project leader, emphasized that women’s economic empowerment is a primary concern, especially in the unorganized sector where many people encounter systemic barriers including low productivity and inadequate infrastructure.

“In particular, in the agribusiness and circular economy sectors, young people are crucial for fostering innovation,” Addy-Nayo said. The program will give women and young people the tools they need to actively support sustainable development in their communities while simultaneously enhancing their economic status.

It is anticipated that the project will address major obstacles to entrance for young and female entrepreneurs, such as restricted access to technology and funding. The Green Growth Ghana Project aims to significantly reduce poverty and promote inclusive economic growth by concentrating on three important demographic groups.

Long-term vision for a sustainable future

The significance of including traditional leaders in promoting sustainability is also emphasized by the Green Growth Ghana Project. Dr. Osei-Amoako emphasized the need for traditional authorities to back the incorporation of green ideas into local laws and bylaws. In order to encourage environmental stewardship, he urged Ghanaian companies to adopt circular economy principles.

Representatives from government ministries, civil society organizations, traditional authorities, and leaders of the corporate sector came together for the project’s debut with the same objective of promoting economic empowerment through sustainable means.

In order to guarantee that additional communities gain from its initiatives, the project intends to broaden its reach in the future. The Green Growth Ghana Project is expected to make a substantial contribution to sustainable development in the country’s northern areas by promoting green business practices and giving women’s and youth empowerment first priority.